Astrological Winds for Week of 1/31/11

Last week was a light week for astrological winds. This week is much more full with lots going on in the sky to influence the energy on Earth.

Mercury and Venus are both traversing the ends of the signs they are in and thus will both be influencing the same planets, but in different manners. Both will be changing signs this week too.

On Tuesday, Venus sextiles Neptune and Chiron, both in the last degrees of Aquarius. This softens us up with desires and dreams of romance, reverie, spirituality, creativity, and the desire to help others. The problem is these aspects are so soft that they may not motivate us to go out and take actions on them in the real world. It's more of an idealized, inner state we are feeling. A candlelight dinner with your significant other after a massage or something similiar to this is the type of things we may desire. Nothing earth shaking that's for sure. Those who are artistic or spiritual may receive lots of inspiration in abstract forms, and may try to tie it into their practice to somehow benefit the greater good. Forgiveness/empathy/compassion for others will be high too.

Yet this energy will quickly fade due to Mercury sextiling Uranus, Mars semi-squaring Uranus, and Venus squaring Uranus on Tuesday/Wednesday. All 3 of these aspects will bring a rebellious attitude out in many of us due to frustration building up and an inability to get it out completely despite possible efforts to do so. Suddenly, it will seem like the same old relationships/work/circumstances are boring/stifling, and a need to connect with someone out of your circle may be acted upon. You'll have plenty of radical ideas brewing and you may even get the emotional support you need, but reality may hold you back some how due to lack of resources needed most likely. It's best to share these ideas with someone who you normally wouldn't to get a fresh perspective. Stimulation will come from anything new.

There is also a New Moon in Aquarius on Wednesday (mid-winter's day, aka: Groundhog Day, Candlemas, Imbolc)  night that ushers in a Sun/Mars/Ceres conjunction. Anger/fights can easily arise with this high energy combination against anyone who you percieve to be against your viewpoint. Rhetoric in the political world will be thick this week and revolutions may manifest in physical reality in our own personal worlds and in the world at large. In Aquarius, it shows the masses are fed up with the dominant paradigm's unequal distribution of resources and seek a change, while those in power do all they can to block these changes. Entrenchment on both sides is immovable now. This is a time when we are all being called upon to act with great courage to bring the action of change to our lives and to the world at large. Facing our fears is necessary and we need to draw strength from the fact that we are not alone in them, that we can build networks of constructive support.

On Thursday, Mercury ingresses into Aquarius and will take the energy of this New Moon out into the world at large over the next 2-3 weeks to discuss how we can implement necessary change in our communities and nations. Venus ingressing into Capricorn shows that relationships will get much more serious and grounded and anything superfluous will have to be trimmed out. With both of these planets aspecting Jupiter on the weekend, we will definitely have some uplifting connections that will expand the visions we have and have us believing that anything may be possible if we can adhere to higher values.

Both the Sun and Mars trine Saturn, ruler of Aquarius and Capricorn, where Sun/Mercury/Venus/Mars/Ceres/Neptune/Chiron/Pluto/North Node/Pallas/Vesta are all presently residing. This is the time to do it: to use our talents both individually and collectively to demand change, and if we don't get it, to make it happen ourselves. It's become obvious our leaders are not willing to lead us to it, so it is time for the people to lead. The reality is the energy of this week is explosively potent. We can already see in other parts of the world: people demanding change from their leadership now. The potential for this to spread like a wildfire across the planet is very extreme now. It's the same in our personal lives: many of us are treading water hoping that change will come and rescue us, yet these energies are screaming: "Be the change that you wish the world to become." Births are not easy usually - many times they can be downright violent - and scary. Support is needed. Going it alone and just toughening up has played itself out and left wreckage and carnage in its wake. Stand up for yourself, stand up for each other. We are all in the same boat. Don't let others delude you into thinking you have to figure it out alone. We are in this together. The 2 trines to Saturn tell us to do it now together and we may just get some cooperation from those in power.

The Astrological Winds are blowing hard this week: do your best to sail with them; try not to get blown away.

Astrological Winds for Week of 1/24/11

This is a pretty quiet week astrologically. The biggest event is Saturn turning retrograde in Libra on Tuesday until June 12th. Usually, when Saturn turns retro it does not necessarily mean a slowdown in our duties and responsibilities in outer world, unless one of your luminaries/inner planets/key points in you natal chart is receiving a transit from Saturn. If so, then that is a possibility for sure. Rather, inner dialogue about balancing responsibilities to outer world versus honoring your own needs becomes more of your focus. It is a time when inner discipline with ourselves to do what we must to meet duties more responsibly and efficiently and still have time for other activities. It's also a time where we need to be our own "taskmaster": to get ourselves into a solid, practical course to achieve what we want more constructively. We need to make a solid inner committment before things in the outer world start moving for us. It's interesting to note that Saturn will be retrograde though the period of Jupiter in Aries (until June 5th). I believe this is an excellent mix, as Saturn retro will not allow Jupiter in Aries to take off too aggressively, and Jupiter in Aries won't allow Saturn retro to bog you down completely. These 2 will be in opposition to each other starting in late March and I believe working with their 2 energies together can bring long term stable success to whatever you focus that energy on. Jupiter in Aries can be used for inspiration and taking action on that inspiration. It's a good time to start some kind of physical program: hit the gym, start jogging/bike-riding/individual types of sports like tennis. It's also a time to take solid actions in regard to your value systems: fight the good fight for yourself.  Saturn retro in Libra can also have us re-assess our relationships with others and determine whether they are fair and equal, and Jupiter in Aries can have us take the actions to make them so.

On Wednesday, Mercury in Capricorn squares stationary Saturn, while at the same time we have a 3rd quarter square of the Moon in Scorpio to Sun in Aquarius. Can you spell S-T-U-B-B-O-R-N? With these 2 aspects, both yourself and others are likely to be so. Emotionally, we want to know what's in it for us personally. All those Aquarian ideals of higher values, supporting the Common Good, and a new utopian visions of the world are great aspirations, but there better be some pay off for me too says the voice inside. Mercury/Saturn narrows the mind/thoughts with controlled/pointed energy. It's a good time to use this energy on detailed input/output with analysis, study, hashing out details with others, but don't expect it to be easy or fast. It's very easy to get too narrow minded/obsessed with an idea to the detriment of receptivity to other ideas, and to get intellectually critical. If you are alone most of this day, the weight of the world could become a heavy burden, as it's easy to see faults and shadows now. Use your practical mind to work on your own projects is the best way to use this energy. Focus on paperwork, study, research. We will start feeling this energy even by Monday night as the Moon in Libra squares Mercury and conjuncts Saturn then.

Special Deal for Your Birthday

For this whole calender year of 2011, I am offering a special deal if you want to get a reading for your next year transits/solar return chart: $60 for a 45-60 minute session with a copy of your solar return chart and a recording of the session on cd. This can be done in person, over the phone, or just sent to you as a recording via mail or as an mp3 file over the web. IT HAS TO BE IN THE CALENDER MONTH THAT YOU WERE BORN IN ORDER TO GET DISCOUNTED RATE! This can be a great gift to others too.

Astrological Winds for Week of 1/17/11

As I mentioned in 2 earlier posts, today and tomorrow are possibly the most ideal days this year to kick off a new project or at least start the process of seeding it, as there are no retrograde planets now, Mercury is out of its retrograde shadow, the Moon is waxing and it's going in to a cardinal sign today. To top that off, we have the Sun sextile Uranus today and Mercury conjunct Pluto. The Sun sextile Uranus shows that opportunities may come your way to show your unique talents or cutting edge ideas, especially in areas of technology, science, occult, etc. New insights and experiences brought to you from others can broaden your perspective and insights. It's a good day to break from your routine conciously in some manner or another, as restrictions/limitations ease off a bit. A great day to make changes in your surroundings that are uplifting/unique. Mercury/Pluto can give a mind with the precision of a laser to delve down deep to the bottom of things: excellent for research, analysis, and 1-on-1 connections. The danger is becoming too narrow in your focus and becoming obsessed with an idea that may only be important to you. Also, with the Moon in Cancer opposite this conjunction tonight, fear of lack in resources or love, may be hard not to obsess over.

On Wednesday, we have a Full Moon in the critical 29th degree of Cancer: a degree of either graduation or being left behind to learn again. This Full Moon is asking us: " do we need to emotionally control those we love, or is it possible to care for them while allowing them freedom to be themselves?" On an archetypal level, we can feel like we are emotionally fighting for survival/resources/love right now. Without awareness of this, we have a tendency to try and control those who are close to us, which can lead to the opposite effect of actually driving them away! Look to see where 29* axis of Cancer/Capricorn falls in your chart and any tight aspects it makes to planets/points in your chart to see how this will individually color your life. The Full Moon does aspect Jupiter positively (which is also at the critical 29th degree of Pisces right now), so the opportunity is out there now to rise above these feelings and to relate to others in a positive and cooperative manner where each person is recognized for their talents and is able to use them to benefit both self and others.

On Thursday, the Sun ingresses into Aquarius, and it will be a month where much energy will be focused on doing things that benefit the group, equality, the betterment of society for all inhabitants of Earth, cutting edge  ideas, etc. This can cool the emotions to a very detached state, but can also give what others may perceive as a passively stubborn approach that can be sensed as a conceited/dismissive/holier than thou attitude, and thus bring up subtle resistance to you and your ideas by others.

Saturday marks a major ingress as Jupiter goes into Aries where it will stay until June 5th. These 5+ months may see expanded aggression especially by religious types or anyone stuck in their philosophy of life/value system that feels threatened by what is going on in the world these days. Weapons dealers/industry, sports, and gambling are potential areas of growth in investments during this time. Expanded aggression/warlike behavior is also possible throughout the world now in any places where people feel their way of life is threatened. Arrogant/egotistical rhetoric will no doubt continue through this time. Some will react to this by doing anything they can to "win" and may leave a trail of wreckage behind them that others may have to clean up. It would be best to use this energy on a personal level to do some adventuresome travel (alone) or to assertively take on some new learning/subject manner that appeals to you.

Sunday has a Venus/Saturn sextile that gives us the opportunity to solidify new relationships or to calmly and practically deal with issues in existing ones. Emotions will be easier to control, as many of us will feel more reserved/cool in relating to others. New opportunities for success may present themselves from those superior to you in some manner, or you may get some wise advice from an elder. A good day for artists to be productive or to find outlets to present their works.

Press Release for Those Confused by Astronomers Claiming There Are 13 Signs

Press Release for Those Confused by Astronomers Claiming There Are 13 Signs

By Matthew Lauten

This old story has been dredged up once again by an astronomer from Minnesota apparently. Normally, I don’t even pay attention to this stuff, but it apparently went viral on the web, and several media people have asked me my opinion. In response, I offer this press release:

Ophiuchus, the purported 13^th sign in the zodiac, has been known to astrologers since ancient times. That a statement like this could even be made by someone, just shows their ignorance of astrology. The zodiac used in astrology is based on the seasons of the year on Earth. Thus, the zodiac was divided into 12 equal signs of 30* each as a measurement of time. The ancient astrologers main job was to mark the turning of the seasons: there were no clocks or calendars back then. It is nothing more than that. The confusion comes from the fact that these signs at one time (the time of ancient Greece’s apex) roughly coincided to constellations starting with Aries on the Spring Equinox. Because of precession, that is no longer the case. Precession is the apparent movement of the stars in the sky from Earth’s viewpoint due to a wobble in the earth’s rotational axis. All the stars in the sky move approximately 1* every 70 years or so. This is where we get “the beginning of the Age of Aquarius” from. The stars at dawn on the Spring Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere for the past 2000+ years have been in the constellation Pisces: thus, the years considered “A.D.” (ie – after Jesus Christ was born) have been “the Age of  Pisces.” Now, the stars of Aquarius are becoming the dawn stars on the Spring Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere – thus, the Age of Aquarius is dawning. In 22,000 years, the stars of Aries will once again be aligned with the Spring Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere and it will be “the Age of Aries” (again).

So what it comes down to is simply this: the zodiac is signs, not constellations. What was failed to be mentioned is that Ophiuchus is not the only other constellation on the ecliptic (the apparent path of the Sun across the sky over the course of the year, which ranges from 23* north on the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere to 23* south on the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere: this is where we get the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn on the globe from: both 23* from the equator). In fact, in this 46* swath of the sky, there are many other constellations besides the 12 zodiacal ones. Ophiuchus just happens to slightly touch the equator like the 12 zodiacal ones. However, to show how off base this comment is: none of the other 12 zodiacal constellations are exactly 30*. They range in size to much more to much less. Indeed, we use the zodiac also as a system of longitude measurement in space from the earth’s viewpoint: this is where astronomers get confused for they do factor in precession in these measurements. Thus, a planet in astrological terms may be in one zodiacal sign, while it is in a different constellation in the sky then the sign it is in. To show how off base this is again: stars in other constellations that are not on the ecliptic are measured according to the zodiac too; an example: Acrux, the main star of the Southern Cross is at 12* Scorpio in the sky by longitude even though it is not in the constellation Scorpio at all ever! It is just a system of measurement. Another example: when your local astronomer tells you the Moon is conjunct Jupiter tonight and where to look for it in sky, it is almost always conjunct only by longitude, not longitude and latitude. Thus, when Jupiter is conjunct the Moon it will be in a straight longitude line above or below the Moon, but not right on top of Moon! Astrology is based upon the seasons on Earth: that’s what is important to us as humans on Earth. When you open up the Farmers Almanac to find out what the ideal days for planting seeds are, it is based on the sign the Moon is in astrologically, not astronomically! Why? Because studies of seed germination rates planted at these times, show increased rates. Seeds are planted on Earth, not in space. So, no worries, your zodiacal Sun/Moon/Rising/etc sign has not changed.

In closing, I would never tell an astronomer that his theories/theorems about black holes, etc are wrong, because I have not studied it and I do not know. It is audacious for astronomers who have not studied the subject of astrology to make blanket statements like this without studying the subject matter first, getting an understanding of it, and then testing it qualitatively. Indeed, many astronomers and other scientists who were astrological skeptics in the past and did take the time to seriously study it, now believe there is truth to astrology and its methods. In fact, Isaac Newton, the father of cause and effect science, used astrology regularly, and was critical of his own theories of cause and effect falling far short of some perfect system of scientific proof, especially as more and more factors were added to the equation.

If you have any follow up questions, you may e mail me at Matt-hue@cox.net

Matthew Lauten is a professionally accredited astrologer based in Tucson, AZ. He is Vice-President of the Tucson Astrologers Guild and blogs at: http://astrologicalwinds.blogspot.com/

Gabrielle Giffords Tragedy

Gabrielle Giffords Tragedy

By Matthew Lauten

Gabrielle Giffords is my Representative and Tucson is my home town, so this tragedy really hit on a personal level. I had driven by the intersection where it occurred one-and-a-half hours prior with my ten year old son, and we were attending an event less than two miles away when we got the word. The event chart itself should be quite revealing, and I also thought it might be interesting to see what house the eclipse several days before fell in a chart set for Tucson, and to look at the Fixed Stars, as many times they can help explain the timing, or “when” of an event.

Several things jumped out at me in the event chart (see below). It has a Pisces Ascendant, thus ruled by Jupiter which happens to be in Pisces and is very tight in its conjunction to Uranus and angular and getting ready to rise in the 1st house. Jupiter is opposite Juno in the 7^th house, part of a Grand Cross as they all square Mercury in Sagittarius (detriment) conjunct North Node in the angular 10^th house and square the South Node in the 4^th house. A sudden tense unexpected big event occurs (angular Grand Cross) on the home turf (South Node in 4^th ;Mercury rules 4th) of someone who’s destiny was to be an alternative leader/speaker in this area (Mercury in detriment conjunct North Node in 10^th; and Jupiter rules 10th) while at a meeting where she partners with her constituents to hear their concerns in detail (Juno in Virgo in the 7^th ;Mercury rules 7^th; Jupiter trine Venus in Sagittarius in 9th). Exalted Mars in Capricorn sextile to Jupiter (the chart ruler), square to Saturn, and trine to Juno gives a lone male in temporary power the opportunity he has been waiting for.

The Moon is almost conjunct the Ascendant to the minute! This indicates to me that a woman in power is the center of this event and the huge effect it had on other people both there and in its aftermath. With the Neptune/Chiron conjunction rising before the Moon and in the 12th house, the results are death, woundings, loss, and the need to have large institutions become involved (hospital, prison, government agencies). Note the Moon also trines the South Node in the 4^th tying it into the Grand Cross the chart ruler is in. The Moon’s semi-square to Mars and Mars square to Saturn indicates the frustration and rage the perpetrator was feeling, and the square to Venus indicates his target.

One last thing to note with Venus and the South Node: they are part of a tight yod pattern with Venus partile sextile Ceres in Aquarius in the 11^th house and both partile quincunx the South Node in the 4^th. Not only do we have the angularity of the Grand Cross and Moon right on ASC sextile Mars to explain the timing of this event, but a yod, which can be described as a hand of fate/destiny: something that one needs to accept they have no control over that has happened, and begin to pick up the pieces/rebuild/adjust from there. Ceres and Venus describe Gabrielle and the event again: Ceres in Aquarius in the 11^th and Venus in Sagittarius in the 9th is a Congresswoman who is progressive in her political philosophy running into fate in her home town doing something she is talented at (South Node in 4^th).

Briefly digressing to the eclipse chart now (see below), we see the eclipse/new moon occurred as part of a big stellium in Capricorn in the 3^rd house when located for Tucson. The stellium includes Pluto and Mars, both possible indicators of violent events; the North Node – destiny involved; and Ceres and Pallas, two of the main female archetypal asteroids: the Mother and the Daughter/Warrior/Champion of ideals. In the 3^rd house, indicates Tucson will feel this event on a very local level, and it will upset all that is familiar in the daily patterns of life like local transportation, local news outlets, and speeches and announcements. Note also the New Moon/Eclipse point squares Saturn in the 12^th, its dispositor, hinting at possible death, loss, and a need for large institutions to be involved.

The stellium of the eclipse chart is mainly in the 11^th house of the event chart except for the Moon which has separated and is no longer part of the stellium, and the North Node and Pluto, which are in the 10^th house. This makes sense too, as it is a female (Ceres, Pallas) member of the Legislature (11^th house) who is cast into the public spotlight due to a fateful, violent event (Pluto & North Node in 10^th) from an angry male (Sun conjunct Mars square Saturn).

All of this is quite revealing, and I could even go deeper into some of the archetypal symbolism that is in the event chart, but it does not explain why it happened then, as far as timing goes. Yes, we have angularity with the Grand Cross pattern and the Moon right on the ASC, but the Grand Cross was angular in Tucson four times that day, and four times a day in the days before and after too, and the Moon moves so quickly, it usually has little to nothing to do with the timing of an event this big in scope. However, in the past few years, some astrologers, including myself and led by Bernadette Brady, have been successfully looking at Fixed Stars parans to help discover the energies that aligned during large events that may help answer this question of timing. Looking at the Fixed Star analysis of this event is literally mind-boggling.

Parans, in effect, are similar to conjunctions but across latitudes instead of longitudes. I could get into a long explanation here, but I’ll defer that now for another article/blog or lecture/class. When looking at parans for events, there is a different approach then when looking for their effects in natal readings. With mundane events, we look at parans to the three outer planets first in order to set the specific archetypal background of that period of time for a given place on Earth. The outer planets, as many of us well know due to their effects in our lives from long term transits to our natal chart, are very “uncaring” for our individual lives. That is, they seem to work according to a plan that is much higher than any single individual’s life and their desires/hopes/dreams/ambitions – indeed, they function on the level of the Collective and what the Collective needs to learn, and individuals end up being their sacrifices in these lessons. That’s why we all shudder to think what that Pluto/Neptune/Uranus hard transit will actually manifest in our life as. However, when the transit ends, we usually see in hindsight that we had to go through these hard times brought to us by Life, in order to learn some valuable lesson to broaden our consciousness/perspective.

In the event chart, we start by looking at significant parans to these three outer planets which are in effect for several months at a time in a specific area/latitude (in Tucson in this case: latitude 32* North). First parans to Uranus, which indicate public opinion and expectations: out of six parans occurring to Uranus at this time in Tucson, three can seen to have a direct link to this event. Acumen, one of the stingers in the tail of Scorpio is culminating as Uranus is rising (on the ASC). Acumen is a dangerous star that speaks of attacks that weaken and combined with Uranus is “small biased attacks on a group.” (this quote and all following quotes come directly from Starlight developed by Bernadette Brady). Uranus is also culminating as Ras Algethi, a star that is in Hercules and is interested in maintaining the natural order of things/life, is setting: “a sudden upset in the political balance of power.” I don’t even have to explain how these two quotes can be associated with this tragic event. The third paran to Uranus I’d like to mention shows how both negative and positive energies mix together in any event. It is Markab setting with Uranus setting: “the reliability and consistency of the common folk.” Here we see how common people helped steady a very chaotic situation by wrestling the perpetrator to the ground, disarming and holding him, and immediately giving first aid to the wounded. A little background on Markab: it is the saddle of the horse in Pegasus and indicates those who can be steady under pressure; those who are normally not leaders, but in pressure situations take steady actions, and through these actions they become inspired leaders for others. After the event is over, they resume their lives as non-leaders, but steady people. If this does not describe the actions of some of the people on the scene succinctly, then I don’t know what does.

Next we look at parans to Neptune to indicate the hopes and fears of the nation in this situation. There are four parans and all are significant but I’ll focus on three here. First we have Neptune rising as Antares is culminating. Antares is one of the four Royal Stars of Persia and it is believed that these four stars have a much more fateful quality than the other stars. It is the heart of the Scorpion and many times bring fame cut from one’s own experiences in life. However, there is the danger that fame will bring danger and the sting/bight of the Scorpion. In a sense, this is Gabrielle Giffords herself: she attained fame and power through her own actions, and she was working an event that was voluntary, not a necessity, and it set her up for a great fall. With Neptune in parans to Antares we get: “Corruption becomes evident.” The second paran to Neptune is Deneb Algedi rising as Neptune is rising: “The justice of the legal system or the law is challenged.”  Deneb Algedi is in Capricorn in the tail of the Sea Goat and speaks of one who is a law giver to the people; one who has balanced view of society and its needs, and thus is looked upon by others to show the way. This is a very apt description of Gabrielle Giffords, a moderate Democrat who was a uniter through her balanced approach to politics. And indeed, this event challenges the very system she represents. The final paran to Neptune to look at is Mirfak culminating as Neptune is setting: “The spiritual warrior, or the fallen…hero.” Mirfak is in Perseus, the Hero, and indicates young male energy that is strong and proud, but not wise. How descriptive of our perpetrator again! Both sides of Mirfak’s archetype are seen here: the male warrior and the fallen hero.  

Finally we look at Pluto’s parans, and there are six of them that associate with the Lord of the Underworld in this event. The first is Murzims, the Announcer, both culminating and on the nadir as Pluto is on the nadir and culminating: “The words of one person, or a seemingly small event, has very powerful consequences.” Once again, a very apt description of what was seemingly a small event becoming something heard around the world. Then we get our second Royal Star involved: Fomalhaut rising as Pluto is culminating: “Dreams or follies, idealism abounds.” Once again Fomalhaut is a star of fate – of events on Earth that seem to have their origin/purpose from somewhere beyond the world we see with our senses. It gives charisma and a vision. Sometimes this vision is used to benefit all for moral purposes; sometimes it is twisted and is only self-serving and amoral. We can see both the main victim and the perpetrator are both driven by this energy but from the two opposing poles it represents. Next we have Canopus both culminating and on the nadir as Pluto is on the nadir and culminating: “Change of an establishment leader.” Canopus is the great Mariner and is one who leads others into new territories. Next is one of the most dangerous stars: Facies setting as Pluto is setting: “The end of one era and the beginning of another.” I will get more into the archetype of Facies in a bit as it is the key star in this situation for other reasons, but to suffice to say, this event will reshape the way politics is done in this country for better or worse. Next comes Diadem, the Woman’s Crown, and a star of great sacrifice. It is rising as Pluto is on the nadir: “A lone sacrifice that can change a nation.” (No, I’m not making this up, but some of these descriptions are so accurate it is surreal!) Diadem speaks of the person who works behind the scenes with no desire for fame in order to help the masses/the common people. This is Gabrielle’s approach to politics, and she became that sacrifice (that will hopefully change an embittered nation.) Last, we have the other stinger in the tail of the Scorpion, Aculeus rising as Pluto is rising: “Savage attack on a person or group.” Aculeus, once again like Acumen, speaks of attacks, but they are attacks that one can build strength and learn about endurance from. Gabrielle is going to survive this attack and endure, as is our nation.

The second thing to look at in a fixed star analysis is the annual themes associated at this latitude every year. I knew from being a native of Tucson, that whenever we enter a new calendar year, our Heliacal Rising Star for the 1^st two weeks of January is Facies. Facies is the Face of the Archer in Sagittarius and is considered one of the most violent, ruthless stars in the sky: think focused cruelty here. The Heliacal Rising star is the star on the dawn horizon this time of year every year for this latitude. Facies as a heliacal rising star is: “The shadow of war, the darkness of cruelty or aggression.” You may ask why is it thought of this way? The answer goes back to the ancient Greeks and the invention of the bow and arrow as a weapon of war. Up until that point, all combat was hand to hand, and one had to look into the eyes of those you were battling. There was a code of honor that governed war that was extended out to your enemy. When the bow and arrow was invented it shattered this code, for humanity had its first weapon that could kill from a distance without any way to see who you were killing. It was indiscriminate killing with no honor. According to written records, the archers were so despised that when battles ended and prisoners were taken, all archers were summarily executed for their dishonorable ways, whereas the other warriors were allowed to live (albeit many times as slaves). The gun as a weapon of choice has ratched up this indiscriminate killing to an even more dishonorable level. If our perpetrator wasn’t so obviously insane, he would definitely get the death penalty for this heinous deed, and I believe it’s still possible he may in order for this archetype to come full circle. I need to stress at this point however that Facies is the heliacal rising star for all of 32* North across the whole globe this time of year, so the background potential energy is there, but it is not the cause that spurs something like this. Other factors must gather for something like this to occur. The Sun is the one planet (luminary) that is also always in the same place in the sky this time of year, and thus looking at parans to the Sun also set the rest of the background. There are two worth mentioning here: Sun rising as Thuban is culminating: “A national treasure is receiving attention.” There are two other points to make about this: first Thuban is circumpolar: that is, it does not rise or set since it is so far north in our skies from Tucson. This indicates once again the hand of fate dictates events from the heavens much like the outer planets that care little for individual lives it affects, for it has a bigger lesson for the Collective. Also, Thuban is in the is the Dargon or Draco, and speaks of one who has serious issues with the rest of society – someone who hides out, has secrets, is anti-social, hoards things – this is a good description of the perpetrator again. One other paran to the Sun worth mentioning: Al Rescha on the nadir as the Sun is rising: “A person who unites or polarizes.” We have both in this single event. Al Rescha is the knot that ties the two fish together in Pisces and reminds us that there is a little bit of us in both of these people.

Now we can look at the last planets, the inners mainly, and get more precise timing, as they move so quickly that these themes were only in effect for a day or a few at most, and will not be aligned exactly like this over Tucson ever again. The Moon represents the emotions of the people in reaction to the event. Remember, we already saw the Moon was right on the ASC in the event chart, which I believe is one of the significators of Giffords in the event chart. There are two parans to the Moon at this exact time: Moon on nadir with Altair on nadir: “Emotionally moved by acts of courage.” Altair, in the Eagle, is one who takes action that benefits both self and others. Think of those who stopped the perpetrator and how this fits them. Then we also have Rukbat culminating as the Moon is culminating: “Calmness, the need to be emotionally steady.” These are both fitting for the emotional reactions of the public here in Tucson after this event.

There is one paran to Mercury I’d like to mention. Mercury shows the reactions of the media and business to the event. Mercury is on the nadir as El Nath is culminating: “One who speaks out, abrasive language or speeches.” We saw this in the initial press conference following the event when the sheriff of Pima County spoke out against the vitriol and poisonous political atmosphere here in Arizona and the USA, and we continue to see it being played out in the press as the Left accuses the Right of spurring people on to take drastic measures against those they perceive as the enemy. El Nath is in the horns of the Bull (Taurus) and speaks of those who use weapons (in this case words) to destroy and/or create.

As I mentioned earlier, Mars seems to be key in events like this, and we saw how it affected the event chart. It has one paran also: it is on the nadir as Castor is culminating: “The person with a plan.” As more and more of the background of the perpetrator is discovered, we see he had a well thought out plan that may have been in the making for years.

Parans to Jupiter show what types of actions would be favorable in response to an event like this. I’ll mention just two of five here. First we have Jupiter culminating as Ras Algethi (see above for description of Ras Algethi archetype) is setting: “The need to restore balance, the need to fill a power vacuum.” And second we have Jupiter setting as Markab (see above for description of Markab archetype) is setting: “The wise person, the need for consistency in the law.” Jupiter is one of the two social planets and I believe it is trying to tell us how we as a society need to react to this event. We must not overreact. We must give due process to the law. Society in the USA has been seriously imbalanced since the 1980’s by people who are out on the streets because the funding for mental health diagnosis and subsequent action/intervention was taken away. We need to restore this funding for intervention so that people like our perpetrator can be reported on by other adults and get the help they need in order to stop events like this before they can occur. One can not help but think if the resources had been available, Pima Community College police would have been able to intervene and help this person out long ago.

The last planet to look at is Saturn, which represents the Law and civic order in events. It has only one paran: it’s setting as Algol is rising: “The law needing to concern itself with the harder issues.” Algol is the head of the Gorgon and speaks of female/yin/receptive energy being angered by the inequality it faces in a patriarchal society. Indeed, many of our laws may need to be re-assessed in wake of this terrible tragedy.

Let’s get a bit visual now too in order to tie the stars into the planetary motions at the time. We know we have a stellium that includes not only the eclipse point and Sun, but also Pluto and Mars and the North Node (and also Ceres and Pallas). The Nodal axis and Mars seem to have much to do with events actually occurring. We have also gone over the archetype of Sagittarius and Facies, the Face of the archer, in detail above. Many of you are aware of precession of the equinox and why the planets astrologically are not necessarily in the sign they are actually in astronomically. When we look at the physical sky of the event, what one finds is that the whole stellium, including Mars and Pluto and the North Node are all within the stars of the archer! Pluto and Mars speak of violent events; Mars and the nodal axis tie into events moving from potentiality to manifested physical reality; eclipse points speak of turning point events – and all of these are cradled within the Archer in the physical sky! This definitely in my mind re-enforces the timing of why this happened then.

We have a good reading on why this all happened now, but we can still look at one more chart to get an understanding of the timing in relation to the planets positions at the time. Like, I mentioned before, the Heliacal Rising star will change every two weeks or so for a given latitude, and the outer planets aspects, and Mars and the Nodes are all key in timing. If we look at the chart for the moment when Facies became the Heliacal rising star, these planetary positions should be in key/angular places. The moment that Facies became the Heliacal Rising Star in Tucson was December 31, 2010 at 7:29 AM MST. (see chart below). Immediately, we see the stellium straddles the Ascendant, the most key point in the whole chart where the potentiality of the astrological energy in the sky becomes physically manifest on Earth! Pluto is closest to it, quickly followed by the Sun, eclipse point, and Mars. The North Node is above the horizon in the 12^th house. This is the final confirmation we need to see why this happened when it did. The time was ripe, the perfect storm, etc – call it what you will. Could an astrologer have warned Gabrielle Giffords of the possibility of this event occurring? The potentiality is there for sure, as are a number of other possible manifestations of this potent energy. We would have to look at her personal transits, etc too – beyond the scope of this article. But, in hindsight, we can see how the archetypes worked together and brought this event to us through different individuals here on Earth at this time and place. Indeed, this event can broadly be put into the whole Uranus/Pluto square archetype that is just beginning and will be affecting the Earth until 2015. I also have a chart for Tucson’s founding and some of the transits Tucson, as a city, is having during this time are: Saturn opposite Chiron, Chiron at mid-point of ASC and M/C, Neptune opposite Sun, eclipse of 12/21/10 conjunct Moon, Chiron opposite Sun, eclipse of 1/4/11 square Venus/ASC, Uranus square Moon and quincunx Sun, Pluto square Saturn, secondary progressed Mercury square the ASC. This is enough info for another whole article!

In closing, I’d like to share one of my favorite inspiring quotes that I like to read daily before I go out into the world:

“When you read a book, it’s the last chapter that’s most important. What happened in the past is gone now. Just try and do your best each day. Be a kind person each day. That’s all that matters.” – L. Tillis

May we make the last chapter of this story worthy of those who were killed, injured, and helped others in this tragedy.

 

Astrological Winds for Week of 1/10/11

As I mentioned last week, all of the planets are in direct motion now, and it's an ideal time to push/take action on projects. This week Mercury, still in its retrograde shadow, and Mars, are acting together to blow the wind into our sails by aspecting the seperating Jupiter/Uranus conjunction and changing signs. Monday and Tuesday Mercury in Sagittarius sextiles Neptune and Chiron and squares Jupiter and Uranus. This will give subtle intuitive awareness of mystical/spiritual planes and inspiring ideas and contacts with others with a strong desire to learn more in order to heal ourselves, others, and the world around us. However, the square to Uranus/Jupiter can have us jumping out of our skin. Nervous systems could be frayed by the immensity and frequency of events now. It's very easy to fall into a flippant/sarcastic type of mental attitude towards anyone or anything that we perceive as to trying to hold us back now. One of the big dangers of this combo is to overlook the details and pay a steep price later on. Fortunately, on Thursday, Mercury ingresses back in to Capricorn, which should have the effect of grounding these ideas and sketching out detailed plans on how to achieve what we set out to do. Mars, still strong in Capricorn, meanwhile sextiles Jupiter/Uranus on Wednesday and Thursday giving us the opportunities to start the actions we need to take in order to move towards success. Both of these aspects usually give us the opportunity to use our natural talents to gain some success. Much of this is because we have a better attitude now that rubs off on whatever we do. Uranus involved shows however that it would be best to focus this on something we normally don't do or we could easily get bored with the routine and only give a half-hearted effort that is not as likely to reap desired results or to go as potentially far as something a bit more radical for us would. So it's a good time to seek out something new: a new relationship, objective, daily pattern, activity, etc. On Saturday, Mars ingresses into Aquarius until February 24th, reminding us that our actions should not be so egocentric that they exclude benefits to others. Working with groups or on projects that benefit more than yourself is the best ways to honor this energy and be in congruence with it. In summary, this is a week to pay attention to what your intuition is telling you, make connections with those or with info that is important for your current affairs, look for and/or create the opportunties that open the door, and start taking the actions you deem necessary to get the ball rolling. Remember, as I mentioned last week: next Monday and Tuesday are the 2 most potent days to act during this window of no retrograde actions. Set it up this week. Good luck!

New Moon/Eclipse in Capricorn on January 4, 2011

A very powerful New Moon in Capricorn/Solar Eclipse today square Saturn and conjunct Mars, on the same day that Jupiter conjuncts Uranus in Pisces for the 3^rd and final time, with Venus square Neptune and Chiron and trine Jupiter/Uranus exact! So, what does it all mean?

The effects of eclipses can last much longer than the current day/week/month. Many times they can represent a turning point that is not recognized as such until much afterwards. This one is indicating some significant innovative milestones are in store for humanity and in many of our personal lives. In Capricorn, it is asking for a re-assessment of our goals and objectives and how we go about attaining them. Capricorn is the sign most affiliated with hierarchal systems, big business, banking/finance, and corporations and their big bosses. It is conservative in nature, in the sense that it wants a reliable and efficient system in order to guarantee survival. It is also quite ambitious and solid/well thought out. The eclipse squares Capricorn’s ruler, Saturn, showing that it is a time of crisis and challenge in these areas. Yet, Saturn is very strong (exalted) in Libra, where it is very interested in justice and equality for all. I believe it is calling on us to build more equitable relationships with others and with the systems we all use together in order to survive these trying times. We can achieve this by disciplining our minds, emotions, and egos and give serious, grounded thought to “where do we go from here?” We may have to face lowered physical energy/activity. Life can bring hard, cold reality now for sure. Partnerships and agreements will have to be re-assessed, and you may have to cut your losses and agree that they are what they are and that you may never regain them. If they are built upon inequality, then they are likely to fail/go into crisis-mode, and the only solution may be moving on. How? With Pluto also in Capricorn and just emerging from its retrograde shadow (5* Capricorn) and conjunct the major asteroid Pallas Athene, it is a prime time to dialogue with other like-minded souls with similar ideas to your own and strategize about how to go into battle together to foster transformation. Like Saturn in Libra, Pallas is interested mainly in equality and justice for all. This is a time to set new long term goals and begin to transform your life in order to meet them. Also, Venus square Neptune and Chiron and trine Jupiter/Uranus shows that connections with others is most important now, and that we must be open and willing to work together in order for relationships to heal and become more spiritualized. The trines will help us connect with others harmoniously to share our innovative ideas where everyone can use their own unique talents to create new visions of beauty, aesthetics, pleasure, and personal gain. This new moon/eclipse wants us to cut out what we no longer need in order to reach higher goals that serve all of us better, and to reach our own creative potential in responsible ways. In order to reach our desires we must have commitment and discipline, for these are serious times on Earth. We will not be able to just run roughshod with our wills and egos to achieve now, but must go inside and reflect on what we really need to sustain us. In other words, we have to take care of our inner selves first before we can push our dreams/visions/will. Use the energy of the Mars conjunction to do this now.

The new moon/eclipse is at 13*-14* Capricorn. Look at your natal chart and find what house this falls into: this will be the area of life that will be most affected by it. For example, if 13*-14* Capricorn is in your 2^nd house, then issues of security, both material and emotional, will be where it manifests. Also, any planets or points that are in the 13*-14* of any sign may be picking up an aspect to the eclipse and color your experience of it. For example, if your Neptune is at 13*-14* Scorpio, it will be sextiling the eclipse, and you may get an opportunity to enlarge your compassion, deepen your spirituality, inspire your creativity, etc.

Also, note the USA’s Sibley Birth Chart will pick up an opposition to its Sun and a square to its Saturn (a cardinal t-square) from the new moon/eclipse: a highly tense grand aspect that no doubt will be affecting the country in intense ways for some time to come. We must change our ways or they will be changed for us by fate, which will not be pleasant (the subject of another full article!). This is backed up by this being Saros Series 13 North Eclipse: the first time this series of eclipses started was on August 14, 1776! Right after the United States declared itself independent! It has been associated with large group projects that now require breaking of bonds in order to reach new achievements (Brady: "The Eagle and the Lark" pg. 326). What is in store for US? Secessions eventually perhaps???

One other significant astrological event to note this week: on Friday, Venus finally leaves Scorpio after an extended stay there due to retrograding through that sign, to move into Sagittarius where relationships and investments will open up and push boundaries that have not been reached before: risk taking, fun and pleasure, etc. will be on the menu for many of us, but be aware that the little things you overlook could come back to extract a price later on!

Also: from now until January 25^th, no planets are retrograde. Thus, it is a great time to be active in pushing what you want, getting projects going, etc. In fact, January 17^th & 18^th are great days to initiate anything new, as Mercury will emerge from its retrograde shadow, and the Moon is still waxing and is in the cardinal sign of Cancer. You go boys and girls!